The Colombian rebels allegedly behind the kidnapping of Liverpool star Luis Diaz’s father have warned his deliberate launch is in danger and will now be delayed.
Guerrilla group the National Liberation Army (ELN) mentioned on Thursday it supposed to launch Luis Manuel Diaz “as soon as possible” following his abduction on Saturday 28 October within the city of Barrancas, close to Colombia’s border with Venezuela.
But late on Sunday evening, the rebels mentioned the plans had been in jeopardy as a result of ongoing presence of presidency safety forces within the area.
It comes after the Premier League star made his first look on a soccer pitch because the kidnapping, when he got here on in its place to attain a late equaliser in his facet‘s 1-1 draw at Luton Town on Sunday night.
After scoring, the winger lifted his shirt to disclose the message “libertad para papa” – that means “freedom for my father”.
But in a brand new assertion, the ELN mentioned it will now solely launch the Colombia worldwide’s father if authorities forces backed off from the area.
They mentioned: “The area is still militarised, there are flyovers, deployment of troops, megaphone broadcasts, offers of rewards and an intense combing operation.
“If operations proceed within the space, the discharge might be delayed and dangers will enhance.”
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Colombia’s authorities blamed the ELN for the kidnapping final week, though the explanation why the group took him is unclear.
However the rebels have lengthy been accused of funding their operations by means of kidnappings, in addition to through extortion and drug trafficking.
A ceasefire is at present in place between authorities forces and the ELN whereas peace talks proceed to finish the nation‘s six-decades of civil battle, which has concerned a number of teams and left an estimated 450,000 folks lifeless.
Diaz’s mom, Cilenis Marulanda, was additionally taken by the abductors final month – however was rescued inside hours after police arrange roadblocks.
She was amongst members of the family who led a vigil final week pleading for her husband’s launch.
Diaz missed two Liverpool matches following the kidnapping however returned to coaching final Wednesday.
Following Sunday’s Premier League conflict in opposition to Luton, the 26-year-old issued a brand new passionate plea calling for his father’s launch – and likewise referred to as on “international organisations to intervene”.
He added: “Every second, every minute our anguish grows; my mother, my brothers and I are desperate, anguished and without words to describe what we are feeling.
“This struggling will solely finish when we’ve him again residence.”
Source: information.sky.com”